In preparation for this, I have re-watched inspirational sports movies and consulted with my friends, mentors and elders that agree I lack the basketball skills to be the next Obama. But I’m happy to share my story of how attending Inclusion Works ‘09 has opened many doors I thought were once closed to me. A year ago I would have never dreamed that I would stand before my fellow Aboriginal post-secondary grads to open this AWESOME national event. As a 6’5” man, I will deliver a presentation chock full of laughs and smiles – hopefully filling somewhat the “little” shoes of former Chancellor and Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, now the current National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, whose inspiring keynote kick-started Inclusion Works ‘09.
Jeremy is a Ned’u’ten Dakelh, or Carrier from The Lake Babine Nation who hails from the Raven clan. He is an internationally renowned cat herder, and less known as a licensed clinical counsellor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors/Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association) who has put his Masters in Education – Counselling to good use for the past two years helping children and youth on his reserve in North-West BC.
Jeremy gives back to his community. He is proud to represent the Inclusion Works ‘09 graduate alumni as an active and valuable council volunteer and a member of the Young Indigenous Professionals (YIP) initiative that was formed at the inaugural Inclusion Works event. He also sits on the Aboriginal Steering Committee for UBC’s Human Early Learning Partnership, helping to guide research on early childhood vulnerability in BC & the Yukon. He is a remarkable ambassador for the council and the cause – working hard to advance Aboriginal inclusion across Canada. Jeremy asks that you please support his “Awesome Foundation” by purchasing a Mr. Awesome action figure; partial proceeds go towards the council’s charitable arm and the rest go towards his student loan!
